Engineer, System III

Job Title: Engineer, System III

Apex Systems is seeking an Engineer, System III to support the NIWC PAC Information Technology Management Support Services contract. A Systems Engineer, also known as lead systems analyst, a network engineer who can also program, or a software engineer who can also manage networks, is an IT professional who oversees the creation of hybrid software, web and hardware products from initial specifications to final rollout and maintenance. These products are often sophisticated systems that run on the web.

The systems engineer is responsible for integrating various network operating systems, application programs and hardware devices.

Duties of a systems engineer typically include managing the development cycle associated with producing resilient software, hardware and web applications, including specification, design, coding, testing and maintenance. Systems engineering is like putting together a puzzle, matching varied pieces together to make one cohesive whole.

This position is 100% onsite.

Location: San Diego, CA

Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite

Salary Range: $130,000–$140,000 conversion // $63-$66 on contract

Travel: N/A

Security Clearance: Active Secret clearance required

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, configure, deploy, and audit perimeter security devices (firewalls, IPS, VPN) in on-prem and cloud environments; recommend performance optimizations.

• Segment networks, implement VLAN/site firewall rules, apply STIGs/IAVM/CTO requirements, maintain documentation, and integrate NGFW threat prevention and DNS security.

• Coordinate with NIWC Pacific teams to ensure proper device configuration and support log aggregation/analysis with Splunk, Elastic, or similar tools.

• Troubleshoot VPN client connectivity, validate port-exception requests, and support secure connections into AWS/Azure environments.

• Research, implement, and maintain ZTNA technologies; lead migration from traditional access and port exceptions to Zero Trust architecture.

• Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's level degree in an Engineering discipline or years of experience.

• 7 years of professional experience in systems engineering.

• Strong experience managing, configuring, and troubleshooting enterprise firewalls, IPS, and VPN devices in both on-prem and cloud environments

• Deep knowledge of network segmentation, VLANs, and firewall rule implementation

• Experience applying STIGs, IAVMs, and CTO directives with strong documentation skills

• Proficiency with Next Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Palo Alto Panorama centralized management platform and Pan-OS.

• Hands-on experience with log aggregation and analysis using Splunk, Elastic. Global Protect Log Analysis

• Knowledge of cloud networking and secure connectivity methods for AWS and Azure

• Experience with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) architecture and migration from traditional access models

• Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

• Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at https://www.apexsystems.com/privacy-policy

• Everforth Apex

Benefits

• Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associat